In what is set to be the game of the round, the two form teams of the competition, Nightcliff and Tiwi, do battle on Saturday to open this weekend’s proceedings. With both sides on win streaks and competition for finals spots heating up, this bout between two attacking powerhouses is set to produce fireworks. The Tigers have regained their rhythm after going down to Southern Districts in Round 6, winning their last two games to sit four points outside of first place. Meanwhile, the Bombers have now won three on the trot after opening their account in the same round, including wins over fellow finals hopefuls Darwin and Waratah. There is class around the ground for Nightcliff, with the recent addition of former Port forward John Butcher proving handy, adding to the consistent danger of Trent Melville, Mathew Bricknell and Joel Budarick going forward. Speedster Liam Holt-Fitz should also be a feature, providing run from the back half. For Tiwi, Adam Tipungwuti and Jason Puruntatameri have been ever-reliable, but they’ll look towards the likes of Dion Munkara, Ross Tungatalum, and youngster Jeffrey Simon to provide the firepower to match Nightcliff. With finals repercussions set to come from a result either way, expect both sides to throw the it all on the line to grab an important four points. If the shootout in their previous encounter is anything to go by, this will be a high-scoring affair.

WANDERERS v. WARATAHRound 9 – Saturday December 1, 5:00pmTIO Stadium

Wanderers will be looking to claim consecutive wins when it comes up against finals hopefuls, Waratah in Saturday’s evening fixture. The Eagles are fresh off a stunning upset victory over Darwin, and despite remaining bottom of the ladder, are only a win off being tied for fifth. Waratah was brought back down to earth after their own upset win over Southern Districts in Round 7, going down to a surging Tiwi outfit in a close one. It’s an important game for the Warriors in particular, as results could see them fall right back into the pack after holding on to fourth place for most of the year. For the Eagles, a run of form is within reach and they could soon scrape off the bottom if things go their way. Joel Jeffrey was the key man last time out, but Wanderers may be without him for this one, leaving it up to the form of Davin Ferreira and Thomas Motlop to find goals. Ex-Roo and Crow Sam Gibson‘s recent cameo has come to an end, but the Eagles will hope that Liam Patrick can have a good run at it up forward after returning to the side. On the other side of the coin, Waratah’s Tom Toma found form of late and will look to have an impact alongside Jaxon Neagle and Cameron Barrett going forward, supported by Timothy Mosquito and Nick Gooch further back. With a bottleneck forming from third to eighth, this will be a key game in the grand scheme of things despite it not looking like a thriller on paper.

The final game in Saturday’s TIO Stadium triple-header pits two sides coming off losses against each other, with Darwin and St Marys looking to re-enter the winners list. The Buffaloes have now suffered consecutive surprise defeats after going down to bottom side, Wanderers last time out, and could slide heavily with a loss hear. On the other hand, the Saints were beaten by a Southern Districts side breathing fire after a loss, but can still jump into a finals spot if they get over the line here. With young gun Malcolm Rosas out of the side, Jed and Javadd Anderson have stepped right up in his absence and will be key figures alongside the returning Adam Sambono. The leadership of Matthew Campbell has also been important of late, and that is an aspect that St Marys has missed with Raph Clarke missing. The Saints’ firepower is still there though, with Brayden and Ben Rioli constantly shining alongside Nathaniel Paredes. They will also hope that young Maurice Rioli jnr can strut his stuff this time out in an effort to compete with the Buffaloes’ forward threat. Darwin will inevitably come out hard, looking to prove a point as it looks to break away from the mid-table pack once again. St Marys will provide stiff competition despite being hard to read, but it is a good opportunity to the Saints to get up over a usually strong side.

Southern Districts will hope to extend its lead atop of the NTFL ladder when it clashes with Palmerston to close out the round. The Crocs bounced back well from their Round 7 loss with a convincing win over St Marys in their last bout, putting their usual scary form on show once again. Palmerston have been a touch more inconsistent, suffering two straight losses after finding consecutive wins. The last fixture between the two was a landslide victory for Southern Districts, but the Magpies will be confident of competing much better having settled into the season. Michael Mummery was fantastic in Round 8 with four goals, but Shane Thorne has undoubtedly been the Crocs’ form player alongside the likes of Dean Staunton and recent inclusion, Seb Guilhaus from the ruck. The injection of AFL experience in the form of Jared Brennan, Richard Tambling and Leroy Jetta makes them an even scarier prospect for the Magpies, who will look to their own AFL stars in the Davey brothers to add some class. Kyle Emery will provide the goals up forward, with Matthew Dennis shouldering ruck duties, and Rodney Baird and Nigel Lockyer jnr providing cool heads up the field. Another one-sided affair looks likely on paper given Southern Districts’ recent inclusions, but Palmerston always pose a threat with the injections of class they have on each line.

ROUND 7 of Northern Territory Football League (NTFL) Men’s Premier League action sees the battle for ascendancy around the last finals spot heat up, while those in the top three will hope to get back on winning runs and keep tabs on the undefeated Southern Districts.

Tiwi Bombers will be looking to claim a second consecutive win when after breaking its season duck last time out, coming up against a formidable Darwin outfit. The Buffaloes enjoyed a bounce-back victory last round too, overcoming fellow finals contenders Waratah to steer a game clear of the Warriors in third. While it looks a mismatch on paper and ladder position, Tiwi found a groove in their last outing and will have a spring in its step as it faces a Darwin team that is struggling to regain its early season form after hitting a slight speed bump.

The Buffaloes have class on each line, with AFL experience in the form of Joe Anderson and Matt Campbell seeing them through, while ex-Roo Michael Firrito has been a handy recent addition to the back half. The real x-factor on show will come from an in-form Adam Sambono, one of the league’s prime movers who is hot off a best-afield four-goal haul. An exciting clash also looms between two of the NT’s best youngsters in Darwin’s Malcolm Rosas and Tiwi’s Round 6 rising star nominee Jeffrey Simon, who can both win their own ball and stand up against mature bodies. Tiwi will be hoping that its own ex-AFL regular in Austin Wonaeamirri can continue to contribute to the scoreboard, while Simon Munkara will have to do the same up forward with supply from Jason Puruntatameri. Dion Munkara would also be a welcome addition, and could help the Bombers match Darwin’s firepower.

Darwin will be confident of getting back on a winning run here, but the Bombers are always a dangerous opponent and now have that winning feeling. Hopefully it’s a good spectacle to open the round and a TIO Stadium triple-header.

WANDERERS v. NIGHTCLIFFRound 7 – Saturday November 17, 5pmTIO Stadium

Wanderers will face a tough task in building on its only win for the season, battling against premiership contenders Nightcliff on Saturday. The Eagles suffered a loss against the improving Palmerston Magpies in their last bout, and with Tiwi posting its first win of the year, now sit bottom of the table. While Nightcliff also narrowly lost at the hands of a dominant Southern Districts side, they have looked a clear superior unit to most of the competition having even taken Darwin out in Round 5.

The consistent firepower of the Tigers forward of centre makes them tricky opposition, with spearhead Trent Melville looking to bounce back to his usual form after a quiet game last time out. The likes of speedy youngster Liam Holt-Fitz, Brodie Filo and Shaun Wilson have also repeatedly featured in the best, and will have to stand up once again if Nightcliff are to make a return statement. Wanderers don’t necessarily have the same potency around the ground, but will look for a spark from Keelan Fejo and Joel Jeffrey with key figure Marlon Motlop out of the side over the last two weeks along with cousin, Shannon and ex-Sun Liam Patrick, who has only played once.

Another mismatch on paper looms in this fixture, and Nightcliff will surly be breathing fire after a tight loss to the Crocs, but Wanderers will hope to put up a good fight here and climb off the bottom, as it searches for its first win since Round 1.

A battle for the last finals spot looms in the last fixture of Saturday’s TIO Stadium triple-header, with a confident Palmerston clashing against St Marys. The Saints became Tiwi Bombers’ first victim for season 2019, a loss that would hurt greatly given how St Marys had found form of late and were pushing hard for fifth place. On the other hand, Palmerston managed to string a couple of wins together to pip this weekend’s opponent in terms of ladder position, and look a lively part of the tussle for ascendancy from fourth to sixth.

The Magpies’ key man this year has been Bundoora Bulls stalwart Matthew Dennis, who has put in workmanlike performances in some blown-out losses this year. As their form has turned, the likes of Rodney Baird and the dangerous Davey brothers have stepped up, with goal machine Kyle Emery a constant threat up forward. Hoping to quell Palmerston’s new-found firepower will be Saints veteran Raphael Clarke, who has held down the defensive fort all season. Further up the ground, Gippsland Power product Nathaniel Paredes has been dominant, while even younger talent in Maurice Rioli Jnr and Brayden Rioli should provide a bit of x-factor going forward.

This should be the most hotly contested game of the round, with both sides eager to claim that elusive fifth spot and earn a finals appearance. While Palmerston are the form side, St Marys have match-winners on each line that could prove the difference in a close encounter.

Southern Districts will be keen to keep their perfect record in tact when they close out the round against Waratah at Norbuilt Oval. The Crocs have been a class above this season in beating all comers with relative ease, including seeing off their two most dangerous challengers – Darwin, and most recently, Nightcliff. Waratah come in having pushed the Buffaloes all the way last time out, and sit just off the top three as the ‘best of the rest’.

Dean Staunton and Shane Thorne continue to dominate for the Crocs, with draft hopeful Michael Mummery coming into form alongside Charles McAdam. Goalkicking ace Bradley Vallance will also look to bounce back from a goalless return last time out, with the likes of ex-Bomber Leroy Jetta still set to return and provide even more firepower. The key men for Waratah will be Cameron Barrett, who consistently hits the scoreboard alongside Lachlan Collihole and Raven Jolliffe. While they do not do massive damage on the scoreboard, the Warriors have multiple avenues to goal and will need to find them on repeat to match the dangerous Districts lineup.

While this may be a key fixture for Waratah given Palmerston and St Marys are vying for their position in fourth, Southern Districts will be looking to see out yet another victory with as little fuss as possible.

WITH one side breaking their duck for season 2019, another remains undefeated having knocked off their closest challenger to end Round 6 action. All four games were close, with the old names we have come to expect all putting their hands up at vital moments.

Tiwi Bombers finally broke its season duck with a spirited win over an in-form St Marys side to open the weekend’s action. The Saints gave it their best shot, trailing for most of the match and by 16 points at the half. But the Bombers were determined to break through and held their position, running out 21-point winners to scrape off the bottom of the ladder.

16 year-old star Jeffrey Simon earned a rising star nomination in just his second game for Tiwi, attacking the ball hard and following the example of idols Austin Wonaeamirri and Simon Munkara well. Munkara was one of three players to claim two goals alongside Pio Puautjimi and Kim Kantilla, while Gerrard Cunningham was the standout goalkicker with three. For St Marys, a couple of prodigies with famous names again stood out, with Maurice Rioli Jnr claiming best afield honours and Brayden Rioli again hitting the scoreboard. TAC Cup graduate Nathaniel Paredes was up to his usual standard in booting two goals alongside Braxton Ah Mat, while Shannon Rioli and Jack Long were also among the best.

The win sees Tiwi climb to second bottom, equal with Wanderers on a sole win, while St Marys fall to sixth as the only side with two wins.

Palmerston snared its second win on the trot with a close win over now-bottom side Wanderers at TIO Stadium. It was hardly comfortable for the Magpies, who were wasteful in front of goal in the first half but remained unpunished as they maintained a steady enough lead to see out the game 19 points ahead.

Kyle Emery was again the star for Palmerston, continuing his prolific scoring form with a bag of three. The Magpies’ usual suspects were also amongst it, with Matthew Dennis strong in the ruck, Alwyn Davey thriving alongside brother Aaron, and Rodney Baird putting in another solid shift. Nook Mansell was one of the best afield for the Eagles, booting two goals along with the dangerous Keelan Fejo. Youngster Joel Jeffrey again found himself in the goals, while Winston Yunupingu and Daniel Weetra were judged their best.

Palmerston rise into the finals spots with the win, equal fourth with Waratah. Meanwhile, Wanderers fall to the bottom of the pile with another loss, sitting below Tiwi by percentage.

Darwin Buffaloes bounced back from last week’s defeat with a strong win over fellow finals hopeful, Waratah. Holding a one to two goal lead for most of the game and at every break, the Buffaloes had enough in the tank to answer all the Warriors’ challenges.

The AFL class and experience of Joe Anderson and former Roos Matt Campbell and Michael Firrito shone through, with all three named in the best for Darwin. It was young jet Adam Sambono who proved the biggest handful though, booting a game-high four goals to be named best afield, while Jackson Clark was their only other multiple goalkicker with two. Abraham Ankers was again the best for Waratah, with Cameron Barrett booting two majors to also be named among the best six players, too. Jaxon Neagle, son of late Essendon great Merv, also impressed in his second game, finding the goals and zipping around the gaff alongside the likes of Timothy Mosquito.

Darwin now sits in equal second with Waratah, down on percentage but a game clear of weekend challengers, Waratah in fourth.

Southern Districts maintained their perfect record in season 2019 with a strong win over fellow premiership contenders, Nightcliff in the game of the round. Coming off a rousing win over third-placed Darwin, the Tigers were hoping to claim another win over their close table rivals but the Crocs proved too good once again. Having conceded a first break lead, Southern Districts responded well from there, on, chipping away against constant Nightcliff challenges. The margin got out to 17 points in the end, one of the biggest of the game to see it out.

Draft hopeful Michael Mummery was one of two multiple goalkickers on the day alongside Jess Koopman with two majors each. Clinton Gallio was named best afield in front of the ever-consistent Shane Thorne and Dean Staunton for the Crocs, with all three also finding the goals. Charles McAdam was another to impress, while youngster Liam Holt-Fitz was the best for Nightcliff alongside the likes of Clayton Holmes, Shaun Wilson and Brodie Filo, while goal-machine Trent Melville was down on his usual best but still managed a goal.

The win pits the Crocs two games clear atop the NTFL table, while Nightcliff are their closest challengers, equal second with four wins alongside Darwin.

A top of the table clash headlines the Round 6 Northern Territory Football League (NTFL) Men’s Premier League action, with only one undefeated side remaining at the top end, while the current cellar dwellers continue their hunt for four points.

TIWI BOMBERS v. ST MARYS

Round 6 – Saturday November 10, 2pm

Tiwi Oval

Tiwi Bombers is still searching for its first win in season 2019, but faces stiff competition in doing so in the form of a surging St Marys side. The Saints are fresh off their second consecutive victory having beaten top-four side Waratah in Round 5, and have found another gear with the addition of exciting forward, Brayden Rioli – the brother of Richmond’s Daniel. The 16 year old booted three goals last time out to earn a rising star nomination, feeding off of the form of fellow Rioli, Shannon, as well as the likes of Nathaniel Paredes and Tylah Saunders who continue to run the engine room. Tiwi most recently had a disappointing loss to Palmerston, but showed signs as their forward line kicked into gear. The Munkaras, Simon and Dionysuis, conjured six goals between them, with Travis Tambling slotting three of his own to complete the trifecta, and they’ll have to hit the scoreboard hard once again if they are to stand any chance in this clash. The Magpies will also look to Alastair Darcy and Adam Tipungwuti to compete in the middle and provide the right service going forward. The form lines may vary between these two sides as it stands, but the contest should provide some decent highlights nonetheless.

WANDERERS v. PALMERSTON MAGPIES

Round 6 – Saturday November 10, 2:30pm

TIO Stadium

Saturday’s TIO Stadium triple-header opener pits two sides towards the bottom end of the table against each other in a game that could have implications on the race for the last finals spot. Wanderers are yet to improve on their Round 1 win over bottom-placed Tiwi, and suffered a comprehensive loss at the hands of Southern Districts last weekend. The Eagles have struggled to trouble the scorers and couldn’t break down the Crocs’ last time out, but will look to the experience of Shannon Motlop and Aaron Motlop, as well as the exuberance of Joel Jeffrey and Keelan Fejo to provide some spark. Palmerston managed to snatch their second win of the year last time out after overcoming Tiwi to jump into sixth spot, left out of the finals places by percentage only. Their star players continue to shine, with the likes of Matthew Dennis and Rodney Baird consistently putting in mammoth shifts, while electrifying goalkicker Kyle Emery will hope to build on his season tally of 11 goals after claiming seven last week. Both teams will be hungry for a win here, with the Magpies looking to enter a run of form, while Wanderers will hope to find their way back onto the winners list once again.

DARWIN BUFFALOES v. WARATAH

Round 6 – Saturday November 10, 5pm

TIO Stadium

Both Darwin Buffaloes and Waratah will be looking to bounce back with a win after suffering Round 5 losses, when they meet at TIO Stadium. The Buffaloes have only lost to the two best sides this year, and were simply outgunned by a Nightcliff side with a point to prove last weekend. Meanwhile, Waratah became St Marys’ second victim in as many weeks, falling short against the Brayden Rioli inspired Saints to see their top four buffer shrink to four points. Darwin will be confident of regaining the form that has seen them dominate most of their competition, with the likes of Adam Sambono and Joe Anderson retaining the decent form they’ve already shown this season. There are plenty of other credentialed players in the lineup, with the class of ex AFL-listed forward Lindsay Thomas and young gun Malcolm Rosas sure to shine through. For the Warriors, Lachlan Collihole and Sam Godden continue to find the goals, while Raven Jolliffe has also been thereabouts. They’ll all have to stand up once again if Waratah are to stand a chance, as this strong Darwin unit will surely be breathing fire after last week’s heavy loss.

SOUTHERN DISTRICTS v. NIGHTCLIFF

Round 6 – Saturday November 10, 7:30pm

TIO Stadium

Undefeated ladder leaders Southern Districts meet the in-form, second place Nightliff in what is undoubtedly the match of the round. The Crocs have been near-on unstoppable once again this year, but potentially face their toughest test to date with the Tigers coming off a huge win over fellow top-three contenders, Darwin. Bradley Vallance was in fine form in Southern Districts’ Round 5 win, booting five majors and also earning a play of the round nomination. He’ll look to put on a show once again alongside the likes of Charles McAdam, Shane Thorne, Michael Mummery, and recent inclusion Richard Tambling. The Nightcliff defence will certainly have its hands full, but will look to leading goalkicker Trent Melville to register another bag of goals and help put a score on the board big enough to match what the Crocs usually do. Young speedster Liam Holt-Fitz will also look to contribute up forward with Brodie Filo and Wade Derksen, while Shaun Wilson will hope to back up his Round 5 best-afield performance well. The Tigers will surely revel in the chance to hand Districts its first loss, and they have the in-form firepower to do so having toppled Darwin last week. The Crocs have hardly put a foot wrong though, and will be confident in retaining their perfect record and top spot.

TASMANIA and the Sydney Swans Academy lead all-comers for the most players in the revamped state-based AFL Academies from the Allied sides, with six players each making the the new academy. Both Queensland academies have five players each in the side, while Greater Western Sydney (GWS) GIANTS Academy and Northern Territory have three players each. Two New South Wales representatives, Charlie Byrne and Will Chandler have also made the academy.

The Allies camp will be held from December 3-December 14, with Luke Power named as the Academy coach.

AFL Head of Talent Tristan Salter said it is an exciting time for the country’s best young talent.

“The new approach to the national Academy will ensure more of our most talented players have access to AFL facilities, while receiving the best quality coaching, high performance and wellbeing services in the country,” he said. “Importantly these players will spend more time in their home state, with year-round first-class support that will enhance their opportunity to perform at an elite level through the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships. “I congratulate all who have been named in squads today and I look forward to watching their development over the next 12-24 months.”

WITH only one undefeated team remaining and one side still looking for a win, Round 4 in the Northern Territory Football League (NTFL) could well herald some interesting contests.

TIWI BOMBERS v. NIGHTCLIFF

Round 4 – Saturday October 27, 2pm

Tiwi Oval

Tiwi Bombers will be looking to break its season duck when it faces Nightcliff at Tiwi Oval in the Round 4 opener. It will be no mean feat though, with the Bombers having to back up a tight loss to the reigning premiers with a strong showing against a strong Nightcliff side that will be breathing fire. The Tigers let a four-goal lead slip to Waratah in Round 3, handing them an improbable first defeat which they will be looking to rectify.

The Bombers’ winless run has not come without promise thus far, with two respectable losses and experienced heads seeing them through. The likes of Adam Tipungwuti, ex-Dee Austin Wonnaeamirri and Jason Puruntatameri will look to stand up once again in this game, while key man Dionysuis Munkara will have to continue his goalscoring form if the Bombers are to put up a big enough score. The forward threat of the Tigers is irresistible though, so you can expect the likes of Trent Melville, Mathew Bricknell, and Liam Holt-Fitz to trouble the scorers plenty if the Tigers get on top. Meanwhile, Kaine Riley, Jess Budarick, and TAC Cup graduate James Tsitas should prove to be key factors in the battle further up the ground.

There is certainly plenty on the line for both sides, and it will take a special performance from Tiwi to topple the Tigers if they can roar again.

WARATAH v. WANDERERS

Round 4 – Saturday October 27, 5pm

TIO Stadium

Waratah will be hoping to strengthen their position in the finals race with a win over Wanderers, who are coming off two-straight losses having only beat the bottom side. The Warriors had an outstanding victory last time out as they toppled the Tigers in an impressive last-quarter comeback, making it two consecutive wins after a shock loss to Palmerston in Round 1.

Waratah’s Lachlan Collihole will look to continue his consistent goalscoring form having bagged eight in his three games, with Raven Jollife and Cameron Barrett others who could follow suit and help the Warriors gain ascendency. For Wanderers, look for Marlon Motlop to provide some spark up forward alongside Patrick Fairhead, with exciting youngsters Joel Jeffrey and Tyrell Lui also showing glimpses of form.

There’s two ways of looking at this contest – the first being that it poises the bottom two finals sides against each other, and the second being that it pits the weakest top four side against the strongest bottom four side. Either way, it looks like it could be a tight tussle on paper and should play a key role in shaping the last couple of finals spots.

ST MARYS v. DARWIN BUFFALOES

Round 4 – Saturday October 27, 7:30pm

TIO Stadium

In the second game of Saturday night’s TIO Stadium double-header, St Marys will seek to continue its momentum when they tussle with the tough Darwin Buffaloes outfit. The Buffaloes are back to their best after dropping their opening game to the surging reigning premiers, holding the best percentage in the league thus far from second spot. The Saints possess an opposite form line, but have shown glimpses of promise across their three games which eventually culminated in a win and jump to sixth place.

The stacked Buffaloes lineup features stars on each line, with a particularly dangerous forward half. The likes of Christopher Williams and Adam Sambono hit the scoreboard well last week, while Jarrod Stokes has found himself in the best two of three times with a pair of two-goal hauls and 16 year-old prodigy Malcolm Rosas has been exciting. Unlike Darwin, St Marys has been far from prolific in from of goal, but will be confident of quelling their opposition’s forward threat with the AFL experience of Raphael Clarke down back. Anthony Wilson was best-on in his first game for the year last week, and the likes of Nathaniel Parades and Ben Taylor will hope to make a similar impact given their solid form.

While scoring power is the obvious difference between the sides here, competitiveness is not lost on the mighty St Marys side, so expect them to put up a good fight against the Buffaloes.

SOUTHERN DISTRICTS v. PALMERSTON MAGPIES

Round 4 – Sunday October 28, 4pm

Norbuilt Oval

Sunday’s only fixture pits the irresistible force that is Southern Districts against second-bottom Palmerston Magpies. The Crocs have accounted for each of the three sides they’ve faced to remain as the only undefeated side for the year, but it hasn’t come without challenge. On the other hand, Palmerston face another tough ask having comfortably lost consecutive games to Darwin and Nightcliff after their stirring Round 1 win.

The key men for the Crocs include the likes of Bradley Vallance, who has two bags of three goals, fellow goalkicker William Farrer, and Samuel Smith. They will also hope to welcome ex-Bomber Leroy Jetta back to the fold. For the Magpies, Matthew Dennis will have to stand tall once again if they are to stand any chance, with Clarence Baird and Rodney Baird sure to provide assistance. Former AFL star Alwyn Davey will also hope to nab a goal or two alongside Ezekiel Frank.

It’s hard to ignore Southern Districts’ form, and the Magpies have slumped recently, but there is enough talent in their side to suggest they can put up a fight against the mighty Crocs.

SATURDAY’S TIO Stadium triple-header produced three relatively one-sided results, leaving two sides without a win and seeing last year’s grand finalists bounce back to claim their first win of the year. The theme continued on Sunday too, with last year’s wooden spooners crashing back down to earth after a Round 1 victory.

The first of Saturday’s games saw Waratah improve to 1-1 with a strong 74-point win over the winless Tiwi Bombers. It was a consistent four-quarter effort from Waratah, with four goals to two in each of the first three terms giving them a comfortable 35 point lead going into the final break. They then poured on seven goals to one in a dominant final term to soar to a statement victory.

Lachlan Collihole was named best afield for his five-goal haul, while Raven Jolliffe and Samuel Weddell were also thereabouts with their bags of three. Waratah’s other multiple goalkicker was Sam Godden with two, while the likes of Matthew Blake and Henry Kerinaiua also put in good shifts and hit the scoreboard. For the Bombers, Dionysuis Munkara continued his good start in front of goal with three majors earning him Tiwi’s best-on honours. Norman Pangiraminni was the only other to claim multiple goals, with Harley Puruntatameri also finding his way into the best for the losing side.

The percentage boost sees Waratah sit just below the two undefeated teams in third, while the Bombers sit second-bottom as one of two winless sides.

Southern Districts powered to a 69-point win over St Marys in the round’s second game to cement its spot in the competition’s top two. It was a slightly more comfortable win for the Crocs this time out after their down-to-the-wire Grand Final rematch win last week, with the Saints again struggling to find the goals despite holding a one-point lead at the half. Fifteen goals to three after the main break saw the reigning premiers run away with the result, kicking into gear quickly after a slight scare.

Former Essendon goal-sneak Leroy Jetta snared four goals alongside Shane Thorne, with impressive youngster Michael Mummery booting two of his own and Timothy Brook rounding out the multiple goalkickers with his two majors. The Saints had fewer forward contributors, but the likes of Nathaniel Parades and Nicholas Yarran troubled the scorers while also being named in the best. Kieran Delahunty was also impressive in a losing side along with ex-Saint Raphael Clarke.

The result sees either side make up the top and bottom two respectively, with Southern Districts one of two undefeated sides, while St Marys sit bottom as one of two winless teams.

2018 runners-up Darwin Buffaloes rounded out Saturday’s fixtures with a bounce-back win over Wanderers. It was a steady contest between last year’s second, and second-last teams as Wanderers utilised an end advantage to lead at quarter time. The Buffaloes hit back hard though, with four goals to one in the second term giving them the ascendancy, which they didn’t relinquish before storming home with seven fourth quarter goals to beef up the margin.

Darwin’s Adam Sambono found some of his better form to slot three goals, with his haul matched only by teammate Jackson Clark. Former AFL forward Lindsay Thomas also found the goals with two of his own alongside Steven Anderson and Chris Williams in the dangerous Buffaloes forward line. The Motlops, Shannon and Marlon were both typically busy in for Wanderers in their forward-line with a goal each, while youngster Joel Jeffrey also impressed.

The win sees both sides claim the bottom two finals spots, with Darwin’s far superior percentage of 143.8 granting them fourth place. It was always going to be a tough ask for Wanderers to back up their Round 1 win here, but they’re still placed nicely early in fifth.

Nightcliff stormed to the top of the table with a thumping 85-point win over Palmerston in Sunday’s only fixture. The Tigers stormed out of the blocks, with five goals in each of the opening two terms giving them a 49-point lead heading into half time. While the Magpies somewhat stemmed the flow after the main break, it was more of the same to see out the game as Nightcliff piled on eight-straight majors in the last.

Trent Melville was the star with five goals for the Tigers despite Cameron Ilett being named best-on for his three-goal effort. Mathew Bricknell also booted three majors, while former Geelong Falcon James Tsitas and youngster Liam Holt-Fitz also claimed two each alongside Wade Derksen. Shaun Wilson and Jess Budarick were also among the best for the winners, overcoming the injection of AFL experience in the Palmerston line-up. Ezekiel Frank booted two goals and Alwyn Davey managed one, but it was Bundoora ruck stalwart Matthew Dennis who again claimed best-on honours for the Magpies.

The loss sees Palmerston sit just outside of the finals spots with their win on the board, while Nightcliff maintained their soaring percentage and first place in what was an impressive performance.

With Round 1 in the books and a few surprise results to boot, Round 2 looks like dishing up a few intriguing contests that could set the tone for clubs vying for a top five spot.

WARATAH v. TIWI BOMBERS

Round 2 – Saturday October 13, 2:30pm

TIO Stadium, Darwin

The first match of Saturday’s TIO Stadium triple-header pits two teams coming off a first-round loss against each other, in the form of Waratah and Tiwi Bombers.

Waratah were beaten out the blocks by last year’s wooden spooners Palmerston in their season opener, while 2018 elimination finalists Tiwi Bombers fell to last year’s second bottom team in Wanderers. With the sides evenly matched and the Bombers pipping the Warriors to a finals spot last year by a single game, this Round 2 clash is set to be a belter with both teams out to gain their first taste of victory for the season.

The Warriors will hope to sharpen up in defence having conceded 24 scoring shots last time out, with former Northern Blues American import Alex Aurrichio holding up the fort alongside the likes of Brock Orval – who was their best in Round 1 and can also run through the midfield. Tiwi have the AFL experience of former Demon excitement machine Austin Wonaeamirri, while the class of hard running midfielder Albert Tipungwuti and Essendon Academy Manager Harmit Singh will provide cool heads through the middle, hoping to bring lively forward Adam Tipungwuti into the game.

It’ll be interesting to see who comes out on top here, with both sides surely keen to break their ducks and gain an early edge over a similarly-placed opponent.

SOUTHERN DISTRICTS v. ST MARYS

Round 2 – Saturday October 13, 5pm

TIO Stadium, Darwin

Premiers Southern Districts will look to continue their NTFL dominance on the back of a six-point win over fellow grand finalists, Darwin, when they clash with St Marys at TIO Stadium. St Marys were tasked with a tough introduction to the 2019 season with fixtures against last year’s top two home and away teams. This clash against the Crocs may prove to be an uphill battle, but if their fighting loss against Nightcliff in Round 1 is anything to go by, they are up for the fight.

The Crocs possess former AFL talent in Leroy Jetta and Richard Tambling, but have in-form stars all around the ground. Forward Brad Vallance was key to their win last week with his three goals and will look to continue that form, while the likes of Lionel Ogden and Sam Smith made good starts from defence. For St Mary’s, the experienced Raph Clarke will hope to further his calming influence across half-back, with exciting 16-year-old prospects Maurice Rioli Jnr and Jacob Long slotting into pockets at either end of the ground.

On paper this match-up does not seem like it will produce a thriller, but do not be surprised to see St Marys take it up to Southern Districts.

WANDERERS v. DARWIN BUFFALOES

Round 2 – Saturday October 13, 7:30pm

TIO Stadium, Darwin

The final fixture in Saturday’s triple-header sees last year’s second bottom side face the runners up under lights. The opening round results see either side’s form lines contrast in an unexpected way though, with Wanderers claiming a win at the expense of Tiwi, while the Buffaloes sit 0-1 having lost the grand final rematch.

The Wanderers have a dangerous forward line, with the likes of former Gold Coast Sun Liam Patrick firing last week with his three goals, and Beau O’Connell dominating with four of his own. Add to that the experience of veteran Shannon Motlop and the exuberance of 16-year-old Joel Jeffrey, and you have the makings of another 30 plus scoring shot display. The Buffaloes are clearly no slouches though, with only the might of reigning premiers Southern Districts proving their downfall last week. They’ll still be confident in getting on the board for 2019 with exciting players on each line. Matt Campbell will hope to have an impact, while the likes of Adam Sambono,Bradley Stokes, and teenage prospect Malcolm Rosas should provide a spark not many teams can handle.

Both defences should be busy, with Darwin hoping they can cut off Wanderers’ supply to their dangerous forwards by winning the midfield battle.

NIGHTCLIFF v. PALMERSTON MAGPIES

Round 2 – Sunday October 14, 4pm

PSC BM Oval, Nightcliff

Nightcliff hosts Palmerston in Sunday’s lone fixture for the round, with both sides holding a win after their respective season openers. Runners up in the regular season last time out, Nightcliff will hope to continue on with the form that saw them claim that position in 2018 after narrowly overcoming St Marys in Round 1. Meanwhile, Palmerston sit top of the ladder after matching their season wins tally from last season with a Round 1 win over Waratah.

Trent Melville was one of three multiple goalkickers last week for the Tigers, booting the all-important two that saw his side over the line. Midfielder Jess Budarick was named their best, and will be hoping to continue supplying well for the likes of Kaine Riley and Liam Holt-Fitz up forward. The Magpies will be confident that the class of the Davey brothers, former Bulldog Ezekiel Frank and Northern Football League stalwart Matthew Dennis will be enough to pull them over the line once again, keeping them atop of the ladder and bettering their efforts of last year with just two games played.

Almost polar opposites last time around, it should be an intriguing contest given the strength of both sides on paper, and will give a good indication of where either team sits.